On politics in the Golden State

Schwarzenegger mocks legislators in vetoes

October 1, 2010 | 11:22
am

It might not quite be last year’s stunt, in which Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger slipped the phrase "F--- You" along the left margin of a veto message, but the governor has again taken to using the sharp edge of his veto pen to needle the Legislature.

In his veto of AB 2419, authored by Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley), Schwarzenegger mocks the Legislature –- playing off the ubiquitous format of the MasterCard commercials –- for spending so much time on legislation that removes an apostrophe.

• Number of legislative committees that took time hearing this bill: 3

• Number of pages in this bill needed to remove an apostrophe: 184

• Taxpayer dollars used to pass this bill through the Legislature: $ thousands and

thousands.

• The outrage the public should have that the Legislature is spending its time "working" on

bills like this instead of focusing on California's real problems: PRICELESS.

Sincerely,

Arnold Schwarzenegger

He also took a swipe in his veto of AB 1889, legislation by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge), which sought to make changes to the state's Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

He called the bill's proscriptions for the governor to follow certain staffing requirements "both an inappropriate and unacceptable action to micro-manage" the executive branch.

And in case Portantino, who is running for reelection, is so interested in the job's requirements, Schwarzenegger ends the veto:

If the author or interest groups wish to make staffing decisions for the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, I suggest they look into applying for the position of Bureau Chief. Applications can be obtained at: www.gov.ca.gov/appointments.